Hangout of the Week: Bookhouse Brewing

Photo of the Week: First Pour at GLBC

Photo of the Week: First Pour at Great Lakes Brewing Company

Although it is still technically spooky season, any Clevelander knows that mid to late October also means it’s time for Great Lake’s Christmas Ale.

Some say it’s too spicy and others say it’s too sweet, but any craft beer aficionado knows that Christmas Ale from Cleveland’s original craft brewery is a must around the holidays. Bursting with sweet honey, crisp cinnamon, and ginger flavors, just a sip of GLBC’s Christmas Ale brings back happy holiday memories and can put even the grumpiest of grinches in a chipper mood. Dan and Jordan from LOTL attended the annual First Pour event at GLBC on Oct. 25.

It was a jam-packed event, with guests literally spilling out of the entrances and even the patio. Police actually shut down the basement pub and a party room due to excessive crowds. Despite that, LOTL soldiered on and were able to still enjoy two fresh pints of Christmas Ale. And although the crowds were massive, the mood happy, and most guests were courteous and kind.

Great Lakes Christmas Ale (ABV: 7.5%; IBU: 30) is now available in most gas stations and grocery stores throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. Side note: go easy on these if you haven’t had them before — it’s a heavy beer that creeps up on you thanks to that honey.